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Former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Robert Meachem keeps Oklahoma in his thoughts after tornadoes hit the area again

Robert Meachem New Orleans Saints vs. San Diego Chargers

MICHAEL DeMOCKER / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE
Saints wide receiver Robert Meachem catches a 2nd quarter touchdown during the preseason game between the New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers at the Superdome on Friday, August 27, 2010. Meachem is now on the Chargers' roster.

From 2007-11, he lived in New Orleans and dealt with the constant threat of hurricanes in the summer and early fall.

"It's just like here with hurricane season, except down here you can't have a basement and they can." he said. "That's what they really need, basements or storm shelters."

But even Meachem was shocked to hear that Oklahoma had been pounded with more tornadoes only days after the city of Moore was devastated by an EF5 tornado. Tornados hit Oklahoma City and Moore on Friday night, killing several people and causing severe flooding.

"For all those tornadoes to hit Oklahoma at the same time? That's unheard of," Meachem said. "All you can do is pray for those folks and hope that everybody's safe."

Meachem, who is now with the San Diego Chargers, was in New Orleans on Friday to participate in a charity basketball game at Xavier University for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones.

Meachem didn't have any family affected by the tornado, which killed more than 20 people on May 20. His hometown is about two hours away from the devastation.

His heart, however, is still with Oklahoma, even as he goes through OTAs in California. He said he called the Red Cross this week trying to figure out ways he could help.

"I think what they really need right now is money," he said. "That's what would help them the most."

Meachem praised the effort of Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, who quietly showed up at a sight in Moore and started pitching in to clear debris. He went unnoticed for about 30 minutes before someone recognized him and snapped a picture.

The picture quickly went viral and showed up on Twitter later that day.

"That's what it's about. It's not about recognition," Meachem said. "It's about caring from your heart. For me, to hear Bob Stoops did that, I'm all for that."